Kraken and Aave DAO Forge Strategic Alliance with White-Label Deployment on Ink Blockchain

In a groundbreaking development for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, Aave DAO is nearing approval for a white-label deployment of its lending protocol on Kraken’s Ink blockchain. This strategic move, backed by over 790,000 votes, marks a significant convergence of decentralized and centralized finance platforms. The initiative aims to enhance liquidity and accessibility, potentially reshaping the DeFi landscape. As of July 23, 2025, this collaboration signals a pivotal moment for both Aave and Kraken, underscoring the growing synergy between traditional crypto exchanges and DeFi protocols.

Aave DAO Nears Approval for White-Label Deployment on Kraken’s Ink Blockchain

Aave DAO is on the verge of approving a landmark proposal to deploy a white-label version of its lending protocol on Kraken’s Ink blockchain. The MOVE signals a strategic convergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized platforms, potentially reshaping liquidity and accessibility in the sector.

Over 790,000 votes have been cast in favor of the initiative, which would see Aave’s smart contracts deployed under a new brand managed by the Ink Foundation. The proposal, set to conclude on July 21, includes a revenue-sharing agreement—a first for Aave—and leverages Ethereum’s layer-2 Optimism Superchain for scalability.

Kraken’s user base stands to gain seamless access to onchain loans through Aave’s infrastructure, while the Ink Foundation plans to incentivize early adopters with 4% of its INK token supply. This hybrid model blends centralized oversight with DeFi’s transparency, offering a regulatory-compliant gateway for institutional participation.

Kraken Co-Founder Jesse Powell Cleared in FBI Probe Over Nonprofit Hacking Allegations

The FBI has closed its investigation into Jesse Powell, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, without filing criminal charges. Federal prosecutors returned devices seized during a 2023 raid after determining no wrongdoing in allegations that Powell hacked the Verge Center for the Arts, a nonprofit he helped establish.

Agents initially probed claims that Powell blocked access to the organization's email accounts. Court documents later revealed the inquiry focused solely on his relationship with the arts center, with no connection to Kraken's operations. The resolution removes a lingering legal cloud over one of crypto's most prominent executives.